Focusing on demographics

Tuesday

MEREDITH - New Hampshire is in the midst of a major change in the makeup of its population, according to a planning expert who addressed the annual meeting of the Lakes Region Planning Commission.

"We don't realize that changing demographic is right in front of us," Dr. John R. Mullin told the meeting, held Monday evening at the Chase House. "It's a shocker when you see how ill-prepared we are."

Mullin, who is director of the Center for Economic Development at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, noted the average age of New Hampshire residents is rapidly increasing to 40 years old and that there has been a 13 percent increase in 85-year-olds and above between 1990 and 2000. The school population, during that same time, dropped 3 percent. He said that currently 75 percent of families in the state are connected to public schools but it is predicted that by 2020, it will fall to 25 percent. This, he worries, could change the total support for schools.

Members of the commission were present at Monday's meeting, as well as dignitaries such as Executive Councilor Ray Burton and Rep. Virginia Heard.

In addition to Mullin's keynote address, the commission used the occasion to present awards. Chair Dick Waitt presented George Twigg an award for being an outstanding member while Dave Jeffers was given recognition for five years of service with the planning commission.

Another award went to the Laconia Housing Authority for its efforts throughout the $13 million renovation of the Scott & Williams factory in Laconia. Twigg presented the award to Authority Executive Director Kathy Nanchez and said that the building had been in serious need of fixing since the 1980s and that it was an integral part of the revitalization of downtown Laconia.

Twigg said that 60 percent of Laconia's population earns less than the median income, which has decreased the amount of affordable housing available. Through the efforts of the Laconia Housing Authority, living space has been made more available with the final project resulting in 60 new one,- two- or three-bedroom units of affordable housing.

Nanchez said she was honored to be receiving recognition for the large, five-year project. "Hopefully this is something that helps serve Laconia and the surrounding community," said Nanchez.

The Kim Ayers Award went to John Mersfelder, who Chris Concord said was the embodiment of dedication, thick skin and leadership. He has worked on many boards and with all sorts of landowners and lawyers to get easements, gaining many new acres of conservation land.

Mersfelder has worked for 20 years on the Tamworth Conservation Commission, 16 as the chair. Concord said those who know him and his efforts appreciate his hard work.

"John has consistently reached beyond membership to get people involved," said Concord. "He is in an elite group of conservationists."

"With sincere humility, I will say that no one person gets anything done without hundreds of other people and organizations," said Mersfelder. "I am standing here because of you who are sitting here with me tonight."

In his talk about the state's changing demographics, Mullin told of how immigration is constantly growing and changing in society, with a high influx of Brazilians, Haitians, Irish and Bulgarians. Mullin said they have a stunning work ethic and help the community with revitalization.

However, he said, the problem is that most schools do not offer classes in English as a Second Language, which results in lower wages. In fact, he said, immigrants in New England who speak English earn more than twice as much that those who do not.

Overall, Mullin said, New Hampshire is doing a lot of things right, with an example being that about 80 percent of women are in the work force, making the state among the highest in the nation. But, he said, there is still work to do.

"My opinion is that we are heading in the right direction," said Mullin. "It is time for this region to step up, define what is important and get things done."

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